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1. Brief Overview:
Transliteration: Areios Pagos
Root Words:
- Ἄρειος (Areios): From Ἄρης (Ares), the Greek god of war, thus meaning “of Ares” or “related to Ares.”
- πάγος (Pagos): Means “rock” or “hill.”
Primary Meanings:
- Areopagus: The term Ἄρειος πάγος refers to the Areopagus, a prominent hill in Athens associated with the worship of Ares and also used as a meeting place for the council of elders or magistrates.
- Judicial and Political Assembly: The Areopagus was historically known as a judicial and political council in ancient Athens, responsible for overseeing various legal matters and public issues.
2. Detailed Description:
BDAG: BDAG describes Ἄρειος πάγος as a specific location in Athens, used for both religious and political functions. The term refers to a notable hill where the council of elders convened. It also underscores the site’s significance in the ancient Athenian legal system.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasizes the Areopagus as a hill in Athens and the council that met there. It highlights its role in judicial and political functions within the city-state.
Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that the Areopagus was a prominent hill and a site for a council responsible for legal decisions and administrative duties.
LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides historical context, describing the Areopagus as both a physical location (the hill) and an important administrative body in Athens.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἄρειος πάγος as “Areopagus,” specifying its role as the hill in Athens and the council that met there.
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Bible Verses:
- Acts 17:19 (KJV): “And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?”
- This verse refers to the Areopagus as the site where Paul was brought to discuss his teachings before the Athenian council.
3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:
In classic Greek literature, the Areopagus is referenced in various contexts:
- Aristotle: Describes the Areopagus as a significant political body and judicial authority in Athens.
- Plato: Mentions the Areopagus in discussions about Athenian governance and legal practices.
- Thucydides: Refers to the Areopagus in historical accounts, noting its influence on Athenian politics and society.
4. Summary:
The term Ἄρειος πάγος (G697: Areios Pagos) refers to the Areopagus, a prominent hill in Athens that served both religious and political functions. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ provide consistent definitions highlighting its significance as both a physical location and a council. Biblical references, particularly in Acts, illustrate its role in the context of early Christian encounters with Athenian authorities. Classic Greek literature further emphasizes the Areopagus as a key element in Athenian political and judicial life.
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